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Monday, May 30, 2016

There are times in life when you get to do things that even you don't believe you are doing. Recently I had that experience when I got to interview the New Kids on the Block Jordan Knight, Joey McIntyre, and Danny Wood then go on a Boston Cruise with them!!! Yes you read that right! My 14 year old self was screaming inside. Did you know they have Season 2 of "Rock This Boat" is premiering on June 1st at 8:30 pm EST/7:30 CT on Pop TV? The show goes on an extremely popular NKOTB fan cruise which first set sail in the 90s.

I got to sit down with them and interview them with only a couple other Boston Bloggers. The guys were really down to earth and I was impressed that Jordan even asked me by blog name when we sat down to talk. They explained to us that this season will allow viewers to see their point of view during as they prepare for the cruise with their fans and then on the cruise. You get to see a "day in the life" of a New Kid on the Block preparing for the cruise and on the cruise. The show gives you the perspective from each of the band members including going through an airport taking selfies with fans and then their experience throughout the cruise. Joey explained his experience with one fan who had guilt for leaving her kids to go on the cruise and how he could identify with that having his own family now. I love that this a band that I totally grew up with. They are the same age as me now and have families but still get to reunite and have a lot of fun on this yearly cruise with their fans.

We talked about what they would do if they were not in the band, Joey explained he would have stayed in theater. Danny explained that he had a four year scholarship to Boston University but also said he didn't feel like he missed out by joining the band. It was really amusing hearing them talk about Jonathan Knight and how he is a farmer complete with his own bees.

To further immerse viewers in the NKOTB experience, Pop has teamed up with Littlstar, a premier global network dedicated to virtual reality (VR) and 360 degree video, to launch immersive content on web, mobile, headset and Apple TV platforms. The dedicated VR and 360 degree experiences will include live performances with the band, selfies with Donnie, surf lessons with Joey and Jonathan, and more. They explained to us that everyone wants a selfie with them and they are happy to accommodate. I must say Danny is a pro with selfies, he grabbed my phone right away to take this photo.

Of course who wouldn't want a selfie with these handsome guys?

They really do focus on the fans and they talked about the theme nights they have on the cruise and how creative fans can be. One specific theme they talked about was a Cowboy night and they laughed at how they were split at first if they wanted to do it but then they agreed and it turned out awesome.

They also talked about the impact they had on the music industry and Joey joked that they had the most sung O's on an album - Hangin' Tough. They are excited that they were a part of pop history. They were influenced by New Edition and Jackson Five. Joey explained how he felt Jordan's voice influenced N' Sync and Justin Timberlake.

They had a very comical commentary about Justin Bieber and how he is a star and how much pressure he is under. Joey explained how he went through the pressure himself but had four other guys to lean on. Danny spoke of how his mother would not have tolerated some of the things that Justin B. does. Joey even stated that he is a talented kid and that you don't have the most talented writers and producers working with you unless you are really talented. In addition to the social media coverage that stars get these days. They do enjoy social media themselves and use it to share their experiences with their fans.

The NKOTB have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide! The band's annual party cruise has sold out eight years in a row which is a true tribute to the band and how beloved they are. While on the boat the band members were enjoying the entertainment by the "Sing It On" members and meeting media.

After we completed the interview we headed over to the Boston Harbor for a Cruise with the band.

This was the lovely boat we got to go on.

Here is Sing It On performing on the boat.

Here they are with "The Right Stuff". They were very relieved when the band members clapped and liked their rendition of the song.

We had lovely views of Boston on the boat.

The guys had a blast on the cruise and so did we! I couldn't believe how close I was to them the whole night!

Here I am with my Boston Blogger friends on the boat.

Get ready to get up close and personal with these guys!

Here is a little preview! Get ready to "Rock This Boat"!

Tune in weekly and watch "Rock This Boat" on Wednesdays at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT on PopTV!

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Evan has been celebrating his 11th birthday for several weeks and as part of the celebration we were lucky enough to take him to a New England Revolution game. They played the Seattle Sounders and won 2 to 1! The roar of the crowd when they score is so much fun to experience.

Evan has been playing soccer since he was 3 so he loves to watch soccer games. He loves all sports but has a special place in his heart for watching soccer games as it is his favorite game to play.

If you are not aware there are some new rules at Gillette Stadium. You are only allowed to carry a gallon sized clear freezer bag measuring 12" x 12" x 6", a women's clutches not to exceed 8" x 5" x 2" (approximately the size of a hand), or clear plastic bags carrying only purchases made at the stadium ProShop. For more information read here. Still cameras are allowed however video cameras are prohibited.

In the past the kids got to meet Slyde the Fox who is the Mascot for the New England Revolution.

Slyde was wearing shorts last night as it was a very warm day. Luckily they were selling Friendly's ice cream.

Soccer is a fast paced sport and fun to watch. It is amazing what some of the players do with the ball and the control they have. It is a great learning experience to have kids watch a professional soccer game.

We showed up a little early to watch them practicing before the game. Often times they have soccer teams as ball boys or on the field during practice. To learn more about the VIP experience you can read this post.

The game is really family friendly. Outside the stadium there was a fan zone where kids could kick soccer balls and hang out and relax.

At half time there was a fun game with fans in bubbles. The kids were getting quite a kick out of it.

The game is lots of fun to watch with action for the whole 90 minutes of play.

It was a beautiful night at Gillette Stadium.

You should definitely go with the family to Gillette Stadium for a New England Revolution Game. It is affordable, a lot of fun and a great way to go to Gillette Stadium.

Friday, May 27, 2016

We have been celebrating Evan's birthday for a few weeks now but yesterday was his actual 11th birthday and we were lucky enough to go to Cirque du Soleil Kurios in Boston at Suffolk Downs. In one word this show was AMAZING! We absolutely loved it!

From the second we arrived there was excitement in the area. Several of the performers were up on the Grand Chapiteau (Big Top) playing music and acting. This will happen before all shows (weather permitting).

We started with a reception for the premiere. There was champagne, popcorn, cotton candy and drinks available for us. Plus there was Percy Fortini-Wright painting. It was amazing to see the progression of his painting throughout the show.

Here you can see what the painting looked like during the opening reception.

This was the final!

The show had such amazing talent. I have seen a lot of shows and this show had performances that I had never seen before. I have seen many people balance on cans and a stand but never before seen them flying high up in the air. Here is the character from the show he was painting. It is a quirky robot made from scraps and recycled parts by the seeker.

My tweets were focused on their display screen.

Enter a world of fantasy!

All Show Pictures Credit: Martin Girard shootstudio.ca

Lauren picked her favorite character in the show. It was Klara.

From the second the show started and a 1900 locomotive arrived with the group of performers I knew we were in for a treat. The juggler at the start was awesome. There were two trapeze artists that had such strength and were 13 feet above the ground.

I had also never seen an aerial bicycle and it was really cool.

There were several funny parts for kids including an invisible circus and a funny part with a clown playing a cat. The contortionists were fantastic.

The acro net act was really impressive. This was a trampoline act in an ocean scene. At times I thought they were going to hit the top of the big top.

My favorite act was the upside down world. This chair-balancing act was nothing I have ever scene before.

Rola bola was another thing I had never seen. An Aviator uses cylinders and planks and balances but also is lifted up and swings back and forth while balancing!

There was a very impressive aerial straps "Siamese twins" act. The strength and synchronization these performers had was unbelievable.

There was a cool Yo-Yo act. Plus a group of acrobats that went extremely high in to the air.

Another funny scene was the theater of hands. Artists used only fingers to tell the story while it was projected on to a hot-air balloon.

This show is absolutely amazing and you should definitely take the family!

Here is a short video to give you an idea of what the show is like:

Disclosure: I was provided with four tickets to Cirque du Soleil Kurios for review purposes. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

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I am a PR Friendly Blogger who works Part Time as a Project Manager. I have a 11 year old son Evan and 9 year old daughter Lauren. I love to share family travel, attractions, shows, product reviews and giveaways with my readers. I am also a Disney enthusiast, PTO President, Cake decorator, and Scrapbooker. My name is Gilda pronouced Jillda.